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Press Release

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division Rejoins Latham

March 3, 2021
Joshua Wu brings a wealth of high-level government experience to the firm’s Tax Controversy Practice in Washington, D.C.

Latham & Watkins LLP1 is pleased to announce that Joshua Wu has rejoined the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as counsel in the Tax Department and as a member of the Tax Controversy Practice. Most recently, Wu served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) for Appellate and Review in the Tax Division of the US Department of Justice where he oversaw virtually all appeals in civil federal tax cases throughout the country and managed a 40-lawyer team. He also represented the United States in appellate oral arguments, evaluated and approved significant civil settlement offers, and furnished advice to the Tax Division’s trial sections in complex tax cases.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh back to Latham’s Tax Controversy Practice. His talents and experience both in senior leadership roles in the DOJ’s Tax Division and in private practice will further strengthen the group’s capabilities,” said Miriam Fisher, Global Chair of Latham’s Tax Controversy Practice. “Josh will provide valuable guidance to clients aiming to minimize the scope of tax disputes and resolve them successfully.”

Wu previously served as DAAG for Policy and Planning, where he led the Office of Management and Administration (OMA) at DOJ. In that role, he led the operational functions of the Tax Division, and led the Office of Legislation and Policy, which works with the Department of Treasury, the IRS, and other agencies on legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives. Prior to his government service, Wu worked in private practice at a large international law firm. He also previously worked as an associate at Latham. Wu advised large companies on all aspects of federal tax law and controversies and his practice focused on litigating high-stakes tax cases and representing clients in civil and criminal tax controversy matters.

“Latham’s Tax Controversy team has seen tremendous growth and success in the past few years, helping domestic and global companies, tax exempts, and high net worth individuals resolve contentious tax matters,” said Daniel Lennon, Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins’ Washington, D.C. office. “Josh is an outstanding addition to the practice whose skills and breadth of experience will greatly benefit clients in resolving complex tax disputes on the most favorable terms.”

“Latham is known for delivering tremendous results in tax disputes around the globe, and I’m excited to be back on this phenomenal team,” Wu said. “I look forward to advising on issues ranging from tax accounting disputes, to corporate and partnership transactional issues, international questions, employee benefits matters, and tax exempt controversies for Latham’s top-tier clients.”

Wu earned his BA from the University of Virginia, his JD from the Syracuse University College of Law, and his LLM in Taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center.

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

Notes to Editors

1 Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office. Latham & Watkins works in cooperation with the Law Firm of Salman M. Al-Sudairi, a limited liability company, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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